Canadians pay tribute to Rita MacNeil

By CTV Atlantic

Published: April 17, 2013 at 2:26PM EDT

Rita MacNeil speaks after receiving a lifetime achievement award at the East Coast Music Awards in Sydney N.S., Sunday Feb. 20, 2005. (Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Canadian musicians, politicians, and fans are paying tribute on social media to Cape Breton folk singer Rita MacNeil, who died Tuesday night following complications from surgery. She was 68.

View the story "Canadians pay tribute to Rita MacNeil" on StorifyCanadians pay tribute to Rita MacNeilCanadian musicians, politicians, and fans are paying tribute on social media to Cape Breton folk singer Rita MacNeil, who died Tuesday night following complications from surgery. She was 68.Storified by CTV Atlantic· Wed, Apr 17 2013 11:23:48Saddened to hear about the passing of one of Cape Breton and Canada's finest voices, Rita MacNeil.Stephen HarperVery sad to hear about the passing of Nova Scotia's First Lady of song and TPB alumnist Rita MacNeil.Mike Smith (Bubbles)RIP Rita MacNeil, one of the nicest and one of the most talented people I ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with.Robb WellsRIP Rita MacNeil. I am deeply saddened by the loss of a dear sweet woman and a gifted singer - songwriter who... fb.me/2YuwKiLx9Anne Murray2 Canadian music icons lost this year. RIP Rita MacNeil and Stompin' Tom Connors. What a party it must be up there. pic.twitter.com/f2z02tDhejEric AlperRest in peace to a Martime legend Rita MacNeilClassifiedRita Macneil was the sweetest person whose beautiful voice was rivalled only by her beautiful spirit. She'll be missed #shescallednovascotiaJonathan TorrensFlags are at half mast to honour the life of Cape Breton's beloved Rita MacNeil cbrm.ns.ca/statement-on-t… pic.twitter.com/LIBpAq8d4LCecil ClarkeA book of condolences honouring Rita MacNeil is now available at the foyer of city hall 320 Esplanade, Sydney pic.twitter.com/uiAVBFAtVACecil ClarkeSad to hear of Rita MacNeil's passing. She was a beautiful and memorable voice for Cape Breton and all Canadians. #nspoliJustin Trudeau, MPmy heart is broken waking to hear Rita MacNeil is gone. We've lost another East Coast legend too soon. #flyingonyourownRose CousinsI was deeply saddened to learn a few minutes ago that Rita McNeil passed away... She was always so kind to me and... fb.me/P9Y4jGveGeorge CanyonHeavy hearts on the East Coast today.We've lost another who paved the road for us. Rest well Rita.Matt AndersenSad to hear the news about Rita MacNeil. Rest in peace.Joel PlaskettAnother voice in Heaven's choir - Rita MacNeil.Terry KellyJust remembering, Rita MacNeil was the first interview guest in the "new" ATV (now CTV Atlantic) Newscentre, February 1993.Steve MurphyIn the past few months we've lost Raylene Rankin, Stompin Tom Connors, and now, sadly, Rita MacNeil. May they rest in peace.James MooreSaddened to hear about passing of Rita MacNeil. Can't think of another singer who put such a smile on my mom's face - everytime. #RIP Rita.Brent ButtSaddened to hear about Rita MacNeil this morning.Played on her show years back. RIP Rita.Colin JamesRIP Rita Macneil. Such a sweetheart of a lady. Never heard a bad word about her, only how wonderful she was to people and her community.Jeremy TaggartSuch a profound loss to know that Cape Breton’s first lady of song, Rita MacNeil has died from complications following surgery. Only 68. lisa laflammeSuch sad news. Our gifted and beautiful Rita MacNeil died, at only 68. Condolences to Wade and all her family.Elizabeth May MPWe're remembering Rita MacNeil today. We're honoured to have shared her story & talent in Flying on Her Own pic.twitter.com/GLOKrV6owRNeptune TheatreI have loved Rita since I was a kid and it was my dream to meet her. I only got to email her once and we talked about a co write. Xmasangel.Jenn GrantSad to hear of Rita MacNeil's passing today. I did a songwriters circlewith her once for TV and it was a lovely to meet her and hear her RSRon SexsmithRIP Rita MacNeil. Here we are playing "Penpals" on her show. No idea why we were wearing those costumes: youtube.com/watch?v=WWerkZ…SloanRest in peace Rita MacNeil, another sad day on the East Coast.Meghan ScottRIP Rita MacNeil. A true Canadian icon.Marci Ien